During the Cold War, the Strategic Air Command operated 24 hours a day as a shield of protection for our nation. This meant that at any point in a given day, there were fully combat-configured bombers flying to assure the safety of our nation.

Since these planes flew constantly, how did they remain full of gas? They did what is called mid-flight refueling. A refueling plane actually flew up next to the Strategic Air Command plane, docked in, and filled the plane with gas.

You need to learn how to refuel your life in mid-flight. You can’t just hop off to a tropical island every time you get tired and discouraged. You have to keep going. You have to learn how to recharge yourself in the middle of your hectic lifestyle.

The fact is, it takes energy to do God’s will. What do you do when you run out of energy? Psalm 94:19 says, “Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer”.

I suggest that once a day, you find time to sit down, and just be quiet. I’m not talking about reading your Bible. You ought to read your Bible every day, but I’m talking about getting alone for five minutes a day and being completely silent. Ask God a question, and then just sit there and listen.

Learn to take little mini-breaks during the day. When you feel your pressure rising, just stop and say, “God, I want to tune in to you again. I want to focus in on you.” I’m not suggesting 30 minutes of meditation. I’m talking about 30 seconds. Just little mini-breaks where you stop and be quiet.

Inevitably, it’s tough to live God’s plan for your life. You start getting distracted. You start having discouragement. You start to doubt. And you start to coast. And when you coast, you start heading downhill.

Remind yourself of God’s goodness yesterday. 

Remember God’s presence today. I remind yourself that he’s with you right now. You are not alone. 

Remind yourself of God’s promises for tomorrow. There are thousands of promises for us in the Bible. Each one is something you can claim in faith.

God’s goodness yesterday, God’s presence today, God’s promises tomorrow. You don’t need to doubt. You don’t need to be discouraged. You don’t need to be distracted. You can renew yourself daily.

If you want to last over the long haul, you have to learn how to recharge yourself spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally.